Rain Bird SST-400i Not Watering After Seasonal Shutdown

Rain Bird SST-400i worked last year but won't start watering this season. Display shows watering but no water flows. No "clunk" sound from valves. Wires appear connected, water supply on.

Systematic Troubleshooting Checklist

1. Water supply: Main valve and all isolation valves fully open?
2. Wiring: All field wires and MV/pump start connections secure?
3. Wire damage: Check for cut, nicked, or corroded wires—replace with waterproof splices
4. Dial position: Must be on AUTO RUN (not OFF, MANUAL, etc.)
5. Rain sensor: If installed, may be active—wait for dry or bypass by jumping yellow terminals
6. No rain sensor: Yellow terminals MUST be jumpered with 14-18 gauge wire
7. Surge damage: Press reset button under wiring cover—reprogram time/date if needed

Most Likely Causes

• Missing rain sensor jumper (common after winter storage)
• Dial not on AUTO RUN
• Cut field wire from winter damage

Start with rain sensor terminals—this is the #1 spring startup issue.